General Information
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Information you need to know to stay healthy and increase mental wellbeing.
01 About us
ABOUT US SolaVieve is a progressive health and technology company focused on empowering people from all around the world to live consciously, healthily, and enthusiastically. Our international team of experienced researchers, practitioners, and creators work closely to bring you high-quality, extensively researched content that can expand your knowledge about different aspects of holistic, preventive, and integrative health. You can be confident that you are making sound decisions about your health based on facts, studies, and scientific research, as our number one priority is to consistently provide scientifically proven content. SolaVieve, in partnership with the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS), has created this mental health awareness campaign, which aims to increase public visibility and increase awareness of preventative interventions in mental health.
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02 Short Glossary
SHORT GLOSSARY
Mental health According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning, resilience, and self-esteem. It is key to our relationships, personal and emotional wellbeing, and contributions to society.
Mental disorders According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental disorders are characterized by a combination of abnormal thoughts and perceptions, dysregulated emotions, and behaviors that have a negative effect on relationships with others. There are many different types of mental disorders. Some common ones include depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, dementia, and developmental disorders.
Mental illness According to the APA, mental illnesses are defined by health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these). It refers to all diagnosable mental disorders collectively.
03 Risk Factors
RISK FACTORS Find out what factors can increase your chances of being in mental distress and developing a mental disorder.
04 Risk Factors
Mental illnesses are complex and multi-causal. Ranked as one of the leading causes of illness and disability around the globe, mental illness is a widespread health challenge. A wide variety of factors contribute to the development of mental disorders, and a good balance of intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual practices is required to promote better mental health.
Mental illnesses are more prevalent in teenagers and young adults aged 15-25 years. Around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental health condition, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. People between the age of 30-45 years old have a lower risk of mental disorders in comparison to young adults. This reveals the importance of prevention-focused approaches and early intervention of mental health promotion among young people in the community.
05 Risk Factors
My grandmother has a mental disorder - am I at risk? Many mental illnesses can be connected to family history. If a close relative has suffered or suffers from a mental illness, you may be at a higher risk. However, there are also biological factors that play a role, for example, environmental factors (continued exposure to adverse life events) or the individual’s personality (low self-esteem, pessimistic nature).
Different environmental factors can play a role in someone’s mental wellbeing. Both physical and social environmental factors have the power to affect a person’s mental state. Physical environmental factors include sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, smoking and substance abuse, pollution, and lack of access to health-related resources. On the other hand, social environmental factors are composed of socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and relational conditions. These include lack of social support, financial insecurity, history of abuse, family discord during childhood, poverty, poor living conditions, toxic relationships, lack of spiritual affiliation, and the inability to relax. According to the United Nations, every person should have access to adequate living and housing conditions, high-quality and nutrient-dense food, and stable and rewarding employment conditions.
06 Symptoms
SYMPTOMS Find out what symptoms and signs to look out for.
07 Symptoms
There are different types of mental disorders. Mental disorders include depression, anxiety, various mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis (like schizophrenia), dementia, and developmental disorders (like autism).
Diagnosing a mental illness is not a straightforward science. Unlike diabetes or cancer, it is much more difficult to accurately diagnose a mental illness. Since a wide variety of factors contribute to the development of a mental disorder, all of these factors must be taken into consideration to effectively diagnose a mental illness. Common signs and symptoms should always be addressed.
08 Symptoms
I’ve been experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with physical signs like a racing heart, discomfort, or difficulty breathing. Is this a common sign of mental illness? Besides the overwhelming fear for no apparent reason, other signs and symptoms that should call attention to mental disorders include: Prolonged feelings of sadness and distance and a lack of desire to communicate for two or more weeks; Significant weight gain or loss; Excessive use of alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism; Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities; Drastic changes in behavior, personality, or sleeping habits; Severe mood swings; Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still; Harmful behavior or a plan to take harmful action toward oneself or others. If you’ve been experiencing any of these, please get professional help as soon as possible.
To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, or another depressive disorder, is it true that people typically need to display symptoms almost every day for at least two weeks? This is true. Major depressive disorders can be long-lasting or recurrent. In its most severe stage, depression can lead to suicide. Early action is so important when someone is exhibiting these recurrent symptoms. Please, don’t hesitate to ask for help!
09 Healthy Lifestyle Choices
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES Hands-on! Tips for daily life to achieve mental wellbeing.
10 Healthy Lifestyle Choices
A good night of sleep is critical for mental health and well-being.
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Both quality and quantity of sleep are key factors! Setting regular bedtimes and wake-up hours, and staying consistent with them, can really help to reduce stress and anxiety. Getting around seven to nine hours each night can also help you think more clearly and result in increased energy levels. Also, sleep hygiene practices can help improve the quality of your sleep. Good sleep hygiene practices include reducing the amount of coffee you drink after 6:00 p.m., relaxing and meditating before going to bed, turning off your phone, and listening to soothing music.
Physical activity is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cope with stress. When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel good. Physical activity can also help you release built-up energy or frustration. Thirty minutes or more of exercise a day, three to five days a week, can significantly improve depressive or anxious symptoms. If you can’t manage 30 minutes, don’t worry. Engage in shorter bouts of physical activity — even 10 to 15 minutes at a time can make a huge difference.
Tips for exercising regularly: Make it fun! Identify what you enjoy doing - what type of physical activity, when, and how. There are lots of different activities to try out, such as jogging, riding a bike, dancing, tennis, yoga...The list is endless!
Set realistic goals and begin gradually. Put your exercise sessions in your calendar and schedule them as important appointments you can’t miss. Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no matter how small.
Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no matter how small.
11 Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Relaxation techniques can play a major role in improving mental health. There are many different types of relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and anxiety, varying from deep breathing and meditation to yoga and tai chi. Relaxation helps us to have a calmer and clearer mind which aids positive thinking, concentration, memory, and decision making. Relaxation slows our heart rate, reduces our blood pressure and relieves tension. Aside from relaxation, it is also important to do things you enjoy throughout your day. These activities can be as simple as reading a book, listening to a podcast, or connecting with your loved ones. Positive, supportive, intimate relationships have been proven to have a beneficial effect on general health, and in particular, help to maintain psychological wellness.
How can a balanced diet play a role in mental health? Eating regular and healthy meals can have a huge impact on mental health. Here are some tips for a healthy diet: Skip the high-sugar snack food and load up on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and added sugars. Eat regularly throughout the day to avoid blood-sugar spikes and drops, which can cause nervousness and irritability. Avoid drinking excess caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant, so it can make you nervous and restless.
12 When to ask for help
WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP When to seek help and when to talk with someone you trust.
13 When to ask for help
When should I talk with someone I trust? Making a connection is often the first step to feeling better and getting treatment. If you notice these signs and symptoms, do not hesitate to talk to someone and to seek help from a professional.
I feel alone, and this discourages me from speaking up. Please know that you are not alone! Mental illness is a widespread health challenge, and it is ranked as one of the leading causes of illness around the globe. That means that there are probably many people in your community who are also struggling. You may find them in patient’s associations! Understanding how other people live their lives with the same problem as you can help to improve your situation. Starting new activities or actively participating in social events can help you strengthen your support network.
14 When to ask for help
Are all health systems prepared to respond to mental disorders? Unfortunately, health systems worldwide have not yet adequately responded to the burden of mental disorders and the importance of mental wellbeing. As a consequence, the gap between the need for treatment and access to it is wide all over the world. People affected need to have their rights respected and their needs guaranteed. That is why it is so important to increase awareness.
How can I prepare for my first appointment? Knowledge is power, not only for you but also for your health professional! Some things you can do to prepare are: Keep a journal to record important necessary information and anything that you have noticed which is of significance. Write down any symptoms, upsetting or stressful events, reactions, etc. It might also be helpful to write down what you would find beneficial to talk about so you don’t forget to address it. Make a list of medicines and illnesses. Make a list of your medical information, including other conditions you might be dealing with and the names of medications, herbal remedies, or supplements you take. Write down all your questions. This will help you make sure you don’t forget or leave anything unexplained.
15 Sources
Sources Alliant International University. (n.d.). How Environmental Factors Impact Mental Health. Alliant International University. https://www.alliant.edu/blog/how-environmental-factors-impact-mental-health Buydens-Branchey, L., Branchey, M., & Hibbeln, J. R. (2008). Associations between increases in plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids following supplementation and decreases in anger and anxiety in substance abusers. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 32(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.10.020 Carek, P. J., Laibstain, S. E., & Carek, S. M. (2011). Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 41(1). https://doi.org/10.2190/PM.41.1.c Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Adults with Mental Illness: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness. (2014). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK253746/ Mandolesi, L., Polverino, A., Montuori, S., Foti, F., Ferraioli, G., Sorrentino, P., & Sorrentino, G. (2018). Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning and Wellbeing: Biological and Psychological Benefits. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00509 Mayo Clinic. (2017, September 27). Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495 Medline Plus. (n.d.). Stress and anxiety. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/9951.htm Mental Health America. Eat Well. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.mhanational.org/eat-well Mischoulon, D. (2018, August 3). Omega-3 fatty acids for mood disorders. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-for-mood-disorders-2018080314414 National Alliance on Mental Health. (n.d.). Know the Warning Signs. National Alliance on Mental Health. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression#part_6149
16 Sources
Sources National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Anxiety Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders Public Health England. (2019, October 25). Guidance 2. Mental health: environmental factors. UK Government. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/better-mental-health-jsna-toolkit/2-understanding-place Sarris, J., O’Neil, A., Coulson, C. E., Schweitzer, I., & Berk, M. (2014). Lifestyle medicine for depression. BMC Psychiatry, 14, 107. Solmi, M., Radua, J., Olivola, M., Croce, E., Soardo, L., Salazar de Pablo, G., Il Shin, J., Kirkbride, J. B., Jones, P., Kim, J. H., Kim, J. Y., Carvalho, A. F., Seeman, M. V., Correll, C. U., & Fusar-Poli, P. (2021). Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide: large-scale meta-analysis of 192 epidemiological studies. Molecular Psychiatry, 1–15. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health. WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health of older adults. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults